In general, Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, focuses on family get-togethers and happy moments. And without a doubt, the lip-smacking feast called Onam sadya always take the spotlight. Vegetables are the stars of the show, and they’re cooked in a myriad of spices and coconut to bring you a world of flavors, textures, and deliciousness. Without a doubt, desserts (payasams) also play a significant role in balancing the spicy flavors from the vegetarian side dishes. Whether you are hosting a fabulous feast for your friends or just whipping up a simple meal for your family in the comfort of your own home, every Onam sadya must feature the key traditional dishes. Here’s a rundown: Served on fresh banana leaves, this traditional Onam sadya or vegetarian feast comprises of 15 – 25 dishes including delectable payasams or puddings to satisfy your sweet tooth. The dishes are served in a particular order starting with
Banana chips Colocasia chips (optional) Banana chips sweetened with jaggery (sarkkara upperi). In some parts of the state, fried small chilies are also served. Crispy pappadums and sweet bananas are two quintessential accompaniments to this feast. The three types of pickles – ginger (puli inji), mango and lime (lemon curry) and sometimes, inji thayir – can be made ahead to save time. Now, the main vegetarian side dishes of this Onam feast. Avial (Mixed vegetable curry) Thoran (Vegetable & coconut stir fry) Kichadi Pachadi made with beetroot or pineapple (Vegetables in coconut yogurt sauce) Erisseri (Pumpkin and green gram in coconut sauce) Ulli Theeyal (Shallots in Coconut Sauce) Koottu curry Kaalan (Raw bananas & yam in tangy yogurt sauce) Olan (Ashgourd in coconut milk)Once all these dishes are arranged on the banana leaf, serve rice topped with: Parippu (dal) curry and a dollop of ghee. One of the most important side dishes of this feast is served at this stage – sambar (lentils and vegetables curry) followed by pulisseri or even kaalan. Finally, desserts (in this case payasams) are served. The king of payasams adapradhaman is served first followed by other varieties of payasams like palada pradhaman, semiya payasam and wheat payasam. Pal payasam (rice and milk pudding) is served last. If you love payasam, try this delectable pasta payasam with an Italian twist. After desserts, moru (buttermilk) and rasam are also served.Now, if you want to create this feast for your family or friends, click here to view all the Onam sadya recipes. Make them and enjoy the array of exciting flavours and tastes.
Onam Sadya Recipes Kerala Banana Chips Very crunchy chips all the the way from Kerala. You won't be able to stop munching! Get the Recipe Inji Thayir | Ginger Raita | Video Inji thayir or ginger raita featuring delicious yogurt loadd with finely chopped ginger and green chilies Get the Recipe Pumpkin Erissery| Mathanga Erissery | Pumpkin in Spiced Coconut Sauce Pumpkin and green gram in spiced coconut sauce. Get the Recipe Beetroot Pachadi | Beetroot in Coconut Yogurt Sauce Spiced cooked beetroot mixed with yogurt. A perfect side-dish for rice. Get the Recipe Ulli Theeyal | Shallots In Coconut Sauce | Video Shallots or small red onions cooked in fried coconut sauce - the perfect combo of spicy, tangy and sweet flavors all in one curry Get the Recipe Puli Inji | Sweet and Sour Ginger Pickle | Video A traditional pickle highlighting the sweet, tangy and spicy flavors of ginger, tamarind and jaggery Get the Recipe Pineapple Pachadi | Pineapple in Spiced Yogurt Sauce A traditional Kerala side dish served with rice. Get the Recipe Olan | Ash Gourd in Coconut Milk | Video With ash gourds, pumpkins and cowpeas cooked in coconut milk , this olan recipe is the perfect way to enjoy classic flavors Get the Recipe Sambar | Lentil and Mixed Veggies Curry This lentil and mixed veggies curry is healthy and easy to make . Get the Recipe Kalan | Raw bananas & Yam in Tangy Yogurt Sauce Traditional Kerala Onam sadya recipe featuring raw bananas and yam cooked in a tangy yogurt sauce Get the Recipe Cabbage Thoran | Cabbage Stir Fry | Video A simple stir fry featuring cabbage, coconut and subtle spices. Quick and easy side dish! Get the Recipe Aviyal An easy way to include more vegetables in your diet. Get the Recipe Ada Pradhaman | Rice and Jaggery Pudding Kerala style rice and jaggery pudding. Get the Recipe Paal Payasam | South Indian Rice Pudding | Video South Indian version of rice pudding made of just 3 ingredients is guaranteed to impress everyone in your family. Get the Recipe Semiya Payasam (Kheer) | Vermicelli Pudding | Video Traditional Kerala style pudding or payasam made with vermicelli, milk, sugar and ground cardamom. Get the Recipe Parippu Payasam | Moong Dal Pudding | Video Take your dessert menu to another level with this decadent combination of split green gram, jaggery and coconut milk Get the Recipe Like this onam sadya guide? Then join Nish Kitchen on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Watch exclusive recipe videos on YouTube.
